Master in Nursing
«With the Master of Science in Nursing students are well prepared to continually improve and develop professional nursing care within the integrative health care system.»
Heidi Longerich, Head Institute of Nursing
Become an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) with your Master of Science in Nursing
Specialisations at Zurich University of Applied Sciences
The specialisation «Acute-critical care» focuses on those affected and their families in an acute illness event or at a critical stage of a chronic disease.
The specialisation «Community-based integrated care» deals with the situation of patients in a stable (chronic) phase of a disease.
Target group
The Master of Science in Nursing is open to people with a strong interest in patient-oriented research questions who want to expand their nursing expertise and help shape the development of nursing care. The study programme is therefore suitable for persons who enjoy analytical thinking, have good problem-solving skills and are happy to systematically develop evidence-based nursing knowledge and new concepts for nursing practice. A high degree of independent learning and working is just as essential as a good knowledge of English.
Profile and career prospects
The MSc in Nursing prepares you for the role of APN nursing expert. You will deepen and expand your knowledge with sound scientific findings in your study specialisation and acquire competencies for extended clinical practice, professional leadership and research.
Graduates are able to offer effective care based on the latest scientific findings. Using their professional knowledge, graduates are able to actively promote the development of public health.
Three universities of applied sciences – one Master degree programme
Zurich University of Applied Sciences, together with Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) and St. Gallen University of Applied Sciences (FHS), offers the Master of Science in Nursing. The master degree programme is accredited by the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs (DEA). The three universities each offer different specialisations for a career in a specific area of nursing.
«Students are individually supervised based on an integrative approach of teaching, research and practice. They will become Advanced Practice Nurses who are developing and guiding sustainable professional nursing practice.»
Dr. Daniela Händler-Schuster, Lecturer Master in Nursing
Structure of the course
The MScN is a modular course structured into four groups of modules and the master thesis. The modules include 5 ECTS and the Master thesis 20 ECTS.
Students enrol at the university where they wish to attend courses in their specialisation, enhancing and refining their knowledge in the modules on Advanced Clinical Assessment, Intervention & Outcome and Self-Management. In the Master thesis, they bring together their wealth of practical experience and accumulated knowledge in order to produce a coherent and scientific piece of work.
Students can already complete a clinical placement with a Nursing Expert APN (work-shadowing) as part of the Advanced Practice Nursing module during the first semester of the MScN programme. Transfer modules enable you to expand your practical expertise under supervision, get access to nursing leadership programmes or complete another clinical placement with a Nursing Expert (APN).
At a glance
Degree: Master of Science ZFH in Nursing
Workload: 90 ECTS credits
Duration of study: 3 semesters full-time or 6 semesters part-time
Course structure: Full-time or part-time
Start of the course: September (calendar week 38)
Registration deadline: 30 April
Teaching location: Winterthur, Bern, St.Gallen
Language of instruction: German, English
Tuition fees: CHF 720 semester fees + additional study and living expenses
Additional information
Studying in Switzerland
Switzerland supports students from other European countries studying at the ZHAW.
International Studies
Spending a semester or a clinical placement abroad is a priceless experience for any student and offers the opportunity to learn how professions are taught and practised in other countries.
Brochure International Relations
We offer a wide range of courses for international students. Learn more about our international activities in our brochure.
Studying in Switzerland
International Studies
Brochure International Relations
Switzerland supports students from other European countries studying at the ZHAW.
Spending a semester or a clinical placement abroad is a priceless experience for any student and offers the opportunity to learn how professions are taught and practised in other countries.
We offer a wide range of courses for international students. Learn more about our international activities in our brochure.